This year is the 20th anniversary of International Overdose Awareness Day. With over half a million people dying as a result of drug use annually, it has never been more important. On the 31st of August every year, we publicly mourn, educate people on drugs to prevent overdose, and advocate for better drug policies. We are calling on SSDPers everywhere to run events as part of the campaign. 

Want to know how to get involved?

Run an Event

Last year, hundreds of events were held in over 30 countries across the globe and our friends at the Penington Institute have created some incredible resources to help you to build your own event! Check out their Event Support Kit and Ideas Bank to get you started. They also have some incredible Campaign Resources, including promotional material designs, social media kits, advocacy resources & more. Pro tip: scroll to the bottom of the Campaign Resources page for translations. Not up to running your own event? Check out events being run near you here and contact the organisers about how you and your chapter can get involved. 

Once your plans are made, don’t forget to register your event here. 

Post a Tribute

Public mourning and memorialising those of who have died from overdose is a vital part of International Overdose Awareness Day. Post a tribute on their website.

Spread the Word Online

Follow International Overdose Awareness Day on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. Use the hashtag #EndOverdose and #OverdoseAwareness on your posts to help build moment and awareness. Check out the Campaign Resources & Overdose Basics resources for good material for your socials. Don’t forget to keep an eye on the SSDP socials for youth specific campaigns. 

Show Your Support

Wear International Overdose Awareness Day badges, lanyards and wristbands. You can buy them here. Be sure to get your order in early as they ship from Australia. 

Need help? Reach out to your point of contact (Luis – luis@ssdp.org, Rob – rob@ssdp.org, Róisín – roisin@ssdp.org, Moronfolu – moronfolu@ssdp.org).